Unsung Beer Hero

Back by popular demand, the Unsung Beer Hero Series:

Chris Weaber, Lucky Lab Brewing Co. 

Chris Weaber has worked at Lucky Labrador Brewing Company for about five years, spending the last two years at the Lucky Lab Beer Hall on NW Quimby in Portland, OR.  He has helped the dog themed empire in several ways, but currently is the brewer of the house made ginger ale and root beer.

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Chris, known by his colleagues as, "Weabs," took over the non-alcoholic program and crafted, then tested several versions of the ginger ale.  He researched brewing methods and ingrediant combinations from Jamaica to Texas and beyond.  There are hundreds of ways to make one of the most refreshing beverages in the world.  Weabs says, "it needed to be drinkable," which at first sounds like an obvious goal.  However, balancing complexity and ensuring multiple palate types are satisfied is harder than it sounds.  Appreciating his final product is easy after understanding some of the more dangerous versions.  "One of the test batches was a lip burner," Weabs says with a smirk on his face.  He knows how kind it is to the consumer to make a product that doesn't inflict pain.  Weabs is truly proud of his recipe and consistency during production, not only because of the increased sales, but because, "It took me a long time to find this recipe and to tweak it."  He chose natural ingredients such as cane sugar, brown sugar and raw ginger.  The previous ginger ale was from extract and now people of all ages drink the sweet yet balanced ale.  His ginger ale has become so popular, that the Lucky Lab location on SE Hawthorne has become a weekly meeting spot for clubs because they can enjoy the one of a kind drink.  An added benefit is that parents have a place to bring their kids while they enjoy Oregon craft beer.  Next up is the root beer revamp.  The root beer is still brewing from extract, but Weabs adds, "a bit of anise and sarsaparilla to cut the thickness of the extract."  Get excited to see the finished product of Weabs root beer brewing.  Even though Lucky Lab doesn't advertise their ginger ales, Weabs says, "it's all natural and it's delicious."  How could you go wrong with that?

Working it

Weabs' passion for brewing developed at a young age because the family business was making kombucha.  His brewer brother inspired his love for brewing and when it comes to beer, Weabs has local pride for Oregon craft beer, but he appreciates all well crafted beer.

Beverage Porn

The brewing day job has allowed Weabs to make a career out of is other passion, music.  A drummer since childhood, he plays in multiple bands including The Old Yellers, Fair Weather Watchers and The Honeycutts.  He draws inspiration from Americana folk and rock music.  He is constantly figuring out his musical niche as with a skill set as broad as Weabs, his sound is able to acclimate to any musical situation.  He enjoys listening to music, both the new bands, "to see what they are doing," as well as enjoying original recordings, because true musical intentions can shine.

Check out Chris Weaber's creativity at any Lucky Lab or a show around Portland.

Photot credit TheOldYellers.com